Monday, October 7, 2013

HEAD’S UP: The 51st New York Film Festival is off to the races, and so are we. This year, we borrow a page from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York coverage, which borrowed a page from Twitter (http://www.ow.ly/pmqvr). To that end, all film reviews / comments will be 100 words or less. Yes, 100. Or less. Ready? Lights. Camera. ACTION! ...

“I am a good cook but I have no rules for cooking,” designer Agnès B. said by way of explaining her directorial process in a press conference following the screening of her first feature film, “My Name Is Hmmm …” (“Je m’appelle Hmmm…”).

Over the course of several days she also penned this story that involves incest. “My Name Is Hmmm …” has its North American premiere tonight at The 51st New York Film Festival. (See video at top).

In this refreshingly unsentimental character study, kindred spirits try to find their way, both having lost their innocence. At times, this buddy film takes on an “Alice in Wonderland” quality. Nothing, however, portends a tragic outcome.